Arthur had won the fight against Olaf, just as Arwen had hoped he would. And he showed his true character by sparing the King's life. By putting an end to all the squabbling and infighting which has distracted the kings from continuing on with their peace talks. And by now, the castle was full of glee and joy as the word spread that the treaty had officially been signed.
And yet Arwen did not find herself in a celebratory mood as she returned to the seemingly empty physicians' chambers. She knew Gaius was tending to a case of a sore throat in the lower town while Merlin was at work with Arthur and thought it the perfect time for some peace and quiet. A chance to think through everything that was happening and continued on happening. All the secrets which then in turn bred lies. And she knew it couldn't go on that way.
However, before she had much time to get lost in her own thoughts of what she was supposed to do, the sight of a single rose laying on the table caught her eye. Carefully, she approached it, not having to do much guessing who it was from. But if there was any doubt, it would have soon been cleared up as a voice spoke up behind her.
"I thought I'd better deliver it myself this time." Arwen turned around to look at Arthur as he pushed away from the wall and stepped towards her. "I'm sorry... for... what I put you through." The apology, genuine and sincere, made Arwen give a gentle shake of her head.
"You have nothing to apologise for. You were enchanted. It was out of your control." She reminded him, making it known that she was aware of the story and in no way blamed him for what had happened.
"You must believe that my feelings for... Vivian... were not real." And still, Arthur needed to say it. To say all of it. To make it known where his heart truly belonged. "I have never loved another."
And yet, it was not words Arwen wanted to hear in that moment, as was clear from the small frown she failed to contain. "Perhaps not right now, but one day you will. One day you'll find the right person, a princess meant to rule by your side when you're king. I'm not that person, Arthur."
Arwen knew she couldn't let it go on. She knew all these lies would only cause more problems in the future. She didn't need to only amplify them. While at first, when she knew her kiss had worked, it brought relief, Arwen soon realized how wrong it was. How cruel it was to let Arthur love her when he didn't even know the truth, didn't even know who he was falling for.
"You don't know that." But the prince was unwilling to give up.
"I do. In some ways, better than you." She said, nodding her head to show just how sure she was in what she was saying. She couldn't tell him the truth. Not now. Maybe not ever. Not she herself. But she knew it. And she knew how it stood in their way more than any social standing he thought was the only obstacle.
"Things may change." He tried to suggest, and his optimism brought a small smile to her face. She could wish and hope that is how it would be, but she wouldn't deceive herself into believing it. Or it would break both of their hearts.
"They may... But until they do," Arwen, determined not to give in, no matter how much she wanted to, proceeded to politely bow to him. As was her duty. As was her standing. "My Lord."
And because of that, it was clear to Arthur that there was nothing else he could do in that moment. There was nothing else he could say. So, he simply nodded in acceptance, respecting her wishes as he turned around and walked to the door. And all Arwen could do was watch him go and try to convince herself it was for the best, no matter how much her heart may disagree.
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